# The Dark Horse (2014)

> A volatile chess prodigy rebuilds his life by guiding disadvantaged Maori children toward discipline, community, and hope.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/163443

## Facts

- Runtime: 124 min
- Genres: Drama, History
- Director: James Napier Robertson
- Cast: Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrance, Sia Trokenheim, Andrew Grainger, Xavier Horan, Roseanne Liang, Miriama McDowell
- TMDB rating: 6.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2192016/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: mild
- Mood: humanistic, tense, compassionate, inspirational movie night, thoughtful weekend viewing

## Synopsis

A troubled genius finds redemption through the game of chess, teaching life lessons to those in need.

## Movies like The Dark Horse

- [Juniper (2021)](https://ember.film/movie/593626)
- [Whale Rider (2003)](https://ember.film/movie/841)
- [Queen of Katwe (2016)](https://ember.film/movie/198583)
- [Queen of Chess (2026)](https://ember.film/movie/7532306)
- [Boy (2010)](https://ember.film/movie/24952)
- [Fresh (1994)](https://ember.film/movie/8068)
- [What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? (1999)](https://ember.film/movie/8125)
- [Life of a King (2013)](https://ember.film/movie/117789)
- [The Convert (2024)](https://ember.film/movie/1021374)
- [Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)](https://ember.film/movie/8435)

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